ROV cutter tool and lifting bag concept development; 31.03.2026

As part of WP1 activities in Period 5, COREEL project partner EDA has successfully completed the development of the ROV cutter tool and lifting bag concept.

The primary objective was to develop an effective cutting mechanism using replaceable utility knife blades, selected for their sharpness, availability, and ease of replacement. The initial design used Stanley 1992 utility knife blade straight blades; however, early testing showed suboptimal performance, with rope slippage and blade deflection under load.

The design was subsequently improved by integrating Stanley 5192 concave blades, which provided better grip and cutting efficiency. Validation tests with a Chasing ROV manipulator confirmed significantly improved performance, enabling reliable cutting of 8 mm rope despite limited manipulator force.

Following these results, multiple design iterations were carried out, with further optimisation ongoing. In parallel, an alternative recovery concept using a gas-inflatable lifting bag was initiated. This approach enables the yarn to reach the surface via buoyancy rather than direct pulling. The system employs a spring-loaded quick-release mechanism, allowing the ROV to trigger inflation by removing a retaining pin, which opens a pressurised gas cylinder.